AOC Raises $9.6M, Fuels Speculation on 2028

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) raised nearly $9.6 million in the first quarter of 2025, more than doubling her previous record and surpassing most other House members, with 64% of donations coming from first-time contributors. The average donation was $21, reflecting strong grassroots support that accompanied her national 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), which drew large crowds and targeted wealth inequality, billionaires like Elon Musk, and President Trump's policies. Recent polls show Ocasio-Cortez leading Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a hypothetical 2028 Senate race and ranking second to Kamala Harris among potential Democratic presidential candidates. Despite her momentum, figures such as Bill Maher caution that popularity at rallies may not ensure wider electoral success. Ocasio-Cortez has thanked her supporters but has not announced any plans to run for higher office. Her fundraising success signals a shift in the Democratic Party’s direction and poses a grassroots challenge to the party establishment.